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Nepal Inquiry Commission Lifts Travel Ban on Former PM Oli After Questioning

An inquiry commission in Nepal has lifted the foreign travel ban on former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli after recording his statement regarding the 2025 Gen-Z movement protests. The commission had imposed restrictions on Oli and several other former officials while investigating the deadly suppression of youth demonstrations that resulted in 77 fatalities. Oli, who had previously questioned the commission's neutrality and refused to appear, ultimately cooperated with the investigation. The political landscape in Nepal has shifted following the protests, with an interim government now tasked with conducting elections in March.

Key Points: Nepal Lifts Travel Ban on Ex-PM Oli After Gen-Z Probe

  • Travel ban lifted after Oli's statement
  • Probe into deadly September 2025 protests
  • 77 lives lost in Gen-Z movement
  • Oli had questioned commission's neutrality
  • Interim government aims for March elections
2 min read

Nepal: Inquiry commission probing Gen-Z movement lifts travel ban on Former PM Oli

Inquiry commission lifts travel restrictions on former PM K P Sharma Oli after recording his statement on the deadly 2025 Gen-Z movement protests.

"the justification for maintaining restrictions on his foreign travel... no longer exists - the commission"

Kathmandu, Jan 5

The inquiry commission formed to investigate incidents during the Gen-Z movement last September announced on Monday that it has lifted the travel ban imposed on former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, allowing him to leave the Kathmandu Valley as well as the country.

The commission decided to lift the restrictions after recording Oli's statement regarding the incidents. Although Oli had previously questioned the neutrality of the commission and refused to appear before it, he ultimately cooperated with the inquiry.

"As the necessary inquiry work-including questioning him in connection with incidents on September 8 and 9, 2025 - has been completed, the justification for maintaining restrictions on his foreign travel and movement outside the Kathmandu Valley no longer exists. Therefore, the said restrictions have been lifted," the commission said in a press release.

In late September last year, the commission had imposed travel restrictions on Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, along with former Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi, former Chief of the National Investigation Department Hutaraj Thapa, and former Kathmandu Chief District Officer Chhabi Rijal, while probing the deadly suppression of youth protests.

During the two-day protests, as many as 77 people lost their lives, while public and private property worth more than NPR 84 billion was damaged, according to an assessment by a committee formed by the Nepali government.

Since the formation of the commission, Oli had repeatedly questioned its neutrality and had refused to appear at its office, frequently accusing commission chair Gauri Bahadur Karki of being biased against him. However, he eventually agreed to submit his statement.

Last week, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak testified before the commission, stating that he had not issued any order to open fire on protesters during the Gen-Z movement in early September. Statements from top security and administrative officials have already been recorded.

Following the Gen-Z protests, Nepal has undergone political change, with former Chief Justice Sushila Karki now leading the interim government, whose primary mandate is to conduct elections for the House of Representatives on March 5 this year.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So many young lives lost... 77 people is not just a number. My heart goes out to the families in Nepal. The commission must ensure accountability, not just lift travel bans after recording statements. Justice delayed is justice denied. 🇳🇵
R
Rohit P
Interesting development. Oli questioned the commission's neutrality but still cooperated. Sounds like typical political drama. Hope the interim government can ensure peaceful elections now. A stable Nepal is good for the entire subcontinent, including us.
S
Sarah B
While I respect the judicial process, lifting the ban so quickly feels premature. The damage was 84 billion NPR! The investigation into who ordered the suppression must be thorough and conclusive, not just a formality. The youth of Nepal deserve answers.
V
Vikram M
From an Indian perspective, we have deep cultural and people-to-people ties with Nepal. It's painful to see such turmoil in a friendly neighbour. The commission's work is crucial for healing. Hope the March elections bring a stable government that can work with all partners.
K
Karthik V
The former Home Minister says he didn't order firing. Someone gave that order. The commission should not stop at statements. They must follow the chain of command. This is about basic human rights. Jai Hind, and solidarity with the people of Nepal.

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